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HIPPY Named a Model for Home-Visiting Programs by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Posted on Mar 28, 2011

LITTLE ROCK, AR. (March 28, 2011) - The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has named the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program as a model for home-visiting initiatives across the nation.

HIPPY, headquartered in Arkansas, was one of seven home-visiting programs selected for this honor because they have proven success demonstrated by measurable results. The designation means HIPPY, sponsored by Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) and located on its campus, meets rigorous criteria that deem it eligible for funding under the federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs.

A study published in the Early Education and Development Journal indicated that in Arkansas, children involved in HIPPY demonstrated better performance in school, experienced fewer suspensions, were less likely to be placed in special education and performed better in reading, language arts and math than their peers. In addition, teachers who rated children on an 11-item classroom adaptability scale gave HIPPY graduates higher marks for their overall adjustment and academic performance.

"This designation will allow us to reach even more kids with quality school readiness education that will help them perform better once they enroll in school," said Barbara Gilkey, director of Arkansas HIPPY. "For years, we have known that home-visiting was an effective method of delivering education, health and other services to families."

HIPPY is located in 22 states across the country and has two programs in the District of Columbia. The Arkansas program serves about 5,400 children, many of whom qualify for the program based on Arkansas Better Chance eligibility criteria.

HIPPY actively engages parents in the education of their preschool child helping to prepare them for success in school and in life. Parents who enroll in HIPPY are visited in their home weekly by a well trained and qualified home visitor who carefully role plays HIPPY curriculum activities with them. The parent is also provided with all materials and other resources needed to properly teach their child the age and developmentally appropriate HIPPY curriculum activities.

Arkansas Children's Hospital is the only pediatric medical center in Arkansas and one of the largest in the United States serving children. The campus spans 29 city blocks and houses 316 beds, a staff of approximately 500 physicians, 80 residents in pediatrics and pediatric specialties and more than 4,200 employees. The private, nonprofit healthcare facility boasts an internationally renowned reputation for medical breakthroughs and intensive treatments, unique surgical procedures and forward-thinking medical research - all dedicated to fulfilling our mission of enhancing, sustaining and restoring children's health and development. ACH is ranked 75th on the 2010 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. For more information, visit www.archildrens.org.